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2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe - FROM $68,900

With its upcoming RS5, Audi looks as if it will finally give the BMW M3 some serious competition.

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Audi RS5 will be all new.

Introduction

After a long period of hemming and hawing about the issue, Audi has decided to bring the long-awaited 2013 RS5 coupe to the United States. Based on the A5 coupe and capable of performance even greater than the already sport-focused S5 coupe, the RS5 will come with a massaged 4.2-liter V8 capable of 444 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Basically, it's the same engine Audi uses in the R8 exotic sports car.

The 2013 Audi RS5 one-ups the R8, however, with a standard dual-clutch automated seven-speed manual transmission, which will provide much smoother shifts than the R8's older single-clutch unit. Power will be sent to all four wheels through Audi's latest Quattro all-wheel-drive system that has greater flexibility in applying torque both front-to-rear and side-to-side. Audi claims the RS5 will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

It's expected that every RS5 coupe will be fully optioned. This includes the rear-axle sport differential, Dynamic Ride Control and possibly a sport exhaust -- all optional in other markets. Compared to the S5, the 2013 Audi RS5 also has larger and wider wheels and tires and a more aggressively tuned suspension to help it steer and handle with greater precision and sharpness.

Check back later for comprehensive buying advice and driving impressions as we get closer to the Audi RS5's launch target of early 2012.